City Council expands human rights to transgendered

Tampa, Florida - Tampa City Council members have voted to protect transgender individuals from discrimination.

Council members voted to extend the human rights law to protect people from "discrimination for gender identity and expression."

It will include: employment, housing and public accommodations such as restaurants and bars.

The City Attorney says there is a separate provision that excludes bathrooms already on the books.

Terry Kemple, president of the Christian Issues Council has been sending out e-mails and drumming up support to get city council to shoot down the measure.

"There is no equality between what color your skin is or who your parents are, how old you are and the decision you make as to whether you are going to be a man or a woman," said Kemple.

But for 20-year-old Aaron Tolano who was born a female but now identifies as a man, says choice has nothing to do with it. "If I could chose to be female I definitely would choose it. It's a lot easier to be the same gender as your sex."

Tolano has not had a sex change, but plans on it when he can afford the surgery.

At least 13 states across the country and 16 municipalities in Florida have extended such protections to transsexuals, transvestites and any others with a gender identity.

Find out what happened at the meeting tonight, on 10 Connects News at 6.